Sheriff's Office: Ortonville man attempts to burn down home after argument, stabs wife

An Ortonville man allegedly attempted to set fire to his family's home after beating and stabbing his wife following an argument, according to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office.

Oakland County Sheriff's deputies responded to a home on the 400 block of Edward in the village of Ortonville Thursday after the man's daughter called the dispatch center.

Roscoe Wayne Harden, 35, was arraigned in front of Magistrate Thomas Raguso of the 52nd District Court Second Division in Independence Township Friday. Harden's bond was set at $50,000 and he is to have no contact with his wife or children or return to their home.

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The first deputy to arrive on the scene Thursday reported hearing screaming and yelling coming from inside the home. When deputies entered the home, Harden, who could be seen bleeding from his right hand, confronted them, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Believing he was still armed with a knife, deputies Tasered Harden, who was knocked down, but stood up and attempted to remove the Taser nodes. He succumbed and was taken into custody after being Tasered a second time.

A knife was recovered from the living room where the man was Tasered, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The Sheriff's office reports Harden was involved in an argument with his wife after he awoke. Harden then, allegedly began setting fire to waste paper, which set fire to the carpet in their bedroom. Harden's wife reportedly extinguished the fire with her hands before Harden allegedly punched her several times in the face before stabbing her on her left side below her breast.

Deputies escorted Harden's wife, 39, and children, ages 4 and 5, to safety during the incident.

The woman managed to get free and contact a family member, who then called 9-1-1. She was treated on the scene for her injuries, but refused transportation to a medical facility and was released.

Harden was treated and taken to Oakland County Jail, where he remains. He faces multiple arson charges: Preparation to burn property over $20,000, a 10-year felony; attempted arson of a dwelling-house, a five-year felony; as well as assault with a dangerous weapon-felonious assault, a four-year felony; and resisting and obstructing police, a two-year felony.

Harden's next court appearance has not yet been scheduled, but he will appear in front of Judge Kelley Kostin.